INLAND RAIL SUPPLY CHAIN MAPPING PROJECT UNDER WAY

To support regional industry to harness the benefits from the construction of Inland Rail, the Department of Infrastructure Regional Development and Cities in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has commenced the Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Pilot Project.

The project will build an understanding of regional supply chains to assist industry to prepare for Inland Rail and to optimise regional freight flows. The Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project will be analysed as a pilot study.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the project is an important step towards maximising the benefits of the Inland Rail.

“The Australian Government is committed to working with industry and the regions to realise the benefits from the delivery of Inland Rail as it moves towards construction in 2018. This is another step toward delivering this significant investment in Australia’s freight future.”

“The Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Pilot Project will be informed by local community leaders and supply chain participants. The Australian Government will work closely with State Governments and local councils to ensure the project informs planning and freight network strategies.” said Mr McCormack.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash said the pilot will enable regional businesses and communities to capitalise on a nationally-significant infrastructure project.

“This project will give us an overview of the heavy vehicle movements across thousands of enterprises, allowing us to test infrastructure scenarios to reduce transport costs across the freight supply chain.”

“It is a great example of science and industry working together to ensure our regional communities have better access to markets, grow their local businesses and create local jobs,” Senator Cash said.

The pilot will use the CSIRO Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT) to analyse existing freight supply chains. TraNSIT has been used in previous research to test the benefits of road upgrades and calculate transport benefits for industry and various levels of government.

More information about the Inland Rail project is available at infrastructure.gov.au/rail/inland.